ANDIE’S POST
Happy October, friends!
I’m actually wearing a flannel right now, and yes, I definitely recognize that I will regret that decision later. It reminds me of the old saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Do our physical steps of preparation somehow manifest the realities we want over the ones we have? Will wearing a flannel on a 90 degree day bring me the Ghosty Girl Fall of my dreams?
I don’t have those answers, but here’s what I do know: As we look to a new month filled with possibilities, opportunities, anxieties, friendship, loneliness, and all the rest of what awaits us, we do so surrounded by the love of God and one another. Sometimes that makes all the difference, and sometimes it doesn’t, but my hope for us is that we can find some of the courage and resilience it takes to dream about something beautiful and move towards it. That we would grant ourselves permission to reach and grow.
So wear the flannel, write the song, make the phone call, start the non-profit, brush your teeth, take a shower, take a breath, celebrate, grieve, rest, or whatever else it is that October offers you. Find a rhythm and vision that grants your heart the goodness it deserves.
THIS WEEK
St. Francis Liturgy - October 4th, 5:30pm
You might have noticed we have a bunch of St. Francis statues around the building. That’s because he embodied a way to be in the world that we want to call ourselves toward. October 4th is the Feast Day of St. Francis, and we will be gathering for a short liturgy from 5:30-6.
Youth Group - Wednesday, 6pm
5th & 6th Grade Gathering - Wednesday, 6pm
Pints w/ Toph - Wednesday, 6pm, Pinewood Pub
College Hangout - October 5th
Our next college hangout is Thursday night, October 5th, at UBC. We will be playing some games, one epic version of a particular game, and enjoying tacos. You can sign-up in the foyer at UBC, or just email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up.
Out on the Brazos - October 7th
We are setting up a booth again at Out on the Brazos, and we need some help. Out on the Brazos is Waco’s largest gay pride event, and we were only 1 of four churches last year. This is a great opportunity to show support four LGBTQIA+ community in Waco, and let me folks know UBC is a place where they can find full inclusion and belonging. If you would like to volunteer to be at the tent for a an hour or two, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org The event runs from 10am-6pm.
LGBTQIA+ and Allies Potluck - October 8th
We are having our first LGBTQIA+ and Allies gathering on October 8th after church. This will be a time in which we can get to know each other better, share some of our story, and eat some delicious food (which you will help provide!). This will be a potluck, and UBC will provide the main dish and drinks, we would like you to bring a side dish or dessert to share. If you have any questions, please contact toph@ubcwaco.org. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer.
GIVING
UBC survives on the generosity of our congregation. Your tithes and offerings allow us to continue to create a space that is welcoming to all, embraces beauty, and seeks to live life to the fullest.
You can give, as you’re able, on Sunday mornings or set up a single or recurring online gift here.
If you ever have trouble with giving online or have a question about how to give, feel free to email jeff@ubcwaco.org.
CHURCH NEEDS
Youth Group Dinner Sign Ups
Part of our youth’s weekly gathering is eating together, which is of course important for the growth of both community and teenagers. You can help foster this growth by signing up to bring food some time. You’ll find more info and a sign up sheet here.
Kids Volunteers
We are so thankful for our UBC Kids Volunteers! If you are available to help on Sunday mornings or other times this semester please email kids@ubcwaco.org
GROUPS
Micasas
Micasas are designed to build more intentional community within the larger community of UBC. They meet on either Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night. If you would like to get plugged into a Micasa, sign-up in the foyer or contact toph@ubcwaco.org for questions.
Spiritual Direction Group
The Sunday morning UBC Spiritual Direction Small Group has space for 1 new participant. We meet weekly during Sunday class time (9:40-10:30 AM), and ask that members be able to commit to regularly attending meetings. Our small group works together to discern the activity and presence of God in our daily, ordinary lives. We focus on the art and power of asking and listening. Coordinated by Laura Sepanski, who graduated in May 2022 from Truett Seminary Spiritual Direction certificate program. Contact Laura at Laura_Sepanski@baylor.edu with questions or interest in signing up.
Faith of the Outsider - Sunday, 9:30am, Piano Room
Inspired by the work of Frank Anthony Spina, this class will look at the ‘outsider’ motif running throughout the Bible, seeing how outsiders are often welcomed into and become a part of God’s plan. Each week we will look at one Biblical story of an outsider and broaden our view of inclusion and exclusion in the Biblical narrative.
UPCOMING EVENTS
College Retreat - October 20-22 - Cedar Creek Lake
Mark your calendars for the weekend of 10/20-22 for our Fall College Retreat. This is a great time to get to know other UBC college students, spend some time in formation, and enjoy a great lake house on Cedar Creek Lake. The cost is $40, and will cover all meals and lodging. We will be carpooling from UBC on Friday afternoon, the 20th. You can sign-up in the foyer, or email toph@ubcwaco.org to sign-up or with questions.
UBC Women’s Hangout: Dinner and Drinks-Wednesday, October 25th, 6:15pm @ Di Campli’s
Youth Group for 6th-12th graders is from 6-8 PM at UBC, so drop off your kids and come have dinner with the ladies! Must RSVP to Tiffany Covert (covertjt@yahoo.com) by October 23rd so a reservation can be made.
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Find more details and our full calendar of events on our website. This calendar is updated frequently, so check back often!
PREACHING SCHEDULE
10/8- Andie
WANT TO CHAT?
Share Your Feedback
Have feedback for us? Feel free to reach out to staff directly with any praises, curiosities, or concerns. You are also invited to submit feedback to the HR team and allow them to pass it along! You can do that with this form: https://forms.gle/1ovkBXSx1Lu3CR448
Pastoral Staff
Andie Pellicer, Lead Pastor
(andie@ubcwaco.org)
Toph Whisnant, Community Pastor (toph@ubcwaco.org)
Jameson Mcgregor, Worship & Arts Pastor (jamie@ubcwaco.org)
Leadership Team
Ben Raley (benjaminraley@gmail.com)
Britt Duke (brittrduke@gmail.com)
Katie Valenzuela (katarinaevalenzuela@gmail.com)
Andy Clark (andyclarkmusic@gmail.com)
Aleigh Ascherl (aleighascherl@gmail.com)
Marcus Franklin (M_Franklin@baylor.edu)
Shelly Taylor (Shellytaylor76@gmail.com)
Katie Robinson (katiekrobinson@yahoo.com)
Margo Shanks (Margo_Shanks@baylor.edu)
HR Team
Erin Hill (erin.albin1@gmail.com)
Patrick Broaddus (patrickjbroaddus@gmail.com)
Craig Nash (craig_nash@baylor.edu)
Kristen Howerton (khowerton94@gmail.com)
Abbey Mackey (abbeyadizdar@gmail.com)
Finance Team
Colton Towns (cctowns@gmail.com)
Julie Sievers (juliehsievers@gmail.com)
Ethan Cohen (ethancohen002@gmail.com)